John William "Bill" Bing Jr.

Bill was born September 2, 1926 in Fort Worth, Texas to John William Bing, Sr. and Eva Martin. He attended Prairie Grove School in his early years and graduated from Mansfield High School. Bill worked as a steelworker for 40 years at Texas Steel Co. in Fort Worth, then finished his career at Alcon Labs.

He married Hattie Bryant in May of 1948, and they moved to their first home in Crowley, Texas. They lost their first child, Vicky Lynn, who was stillborn. They gave birth to a son, Gregg, in 1954. Bill was a wonderful father who loved his son and took an active role in his life, especially in sports. Bill loved sports himself. He played fast pitch softball from the time he was in grade school until he was 46 years old, and he bowled for many years in leagues at work. He was also an avid football fan, watching and filming his son’s high school games, as well as following the Dallas Cowboys through the years.

After his divorce, Bill was setup on a blind date with Patricia (Gerri) Weaver. He was given her phone number by a friend, but he didn’t actually call her for a couple of months. They met in February of 1984, and after attaining the approval of Gerri’s oldest grandchild, Suzanne, were married in March of 1985, and celebrated almost 34 years as husband and wife.

Bill loved the Lord and faithfully attended Grace Bible Church in Fort Worth for most of his life, seldom missing a service until, near the end of his life, he became physically unable to attend. He especially enjoyed attending the family Bible camps in the summer, which he did for many years.

Bill made friends easily, even people he had only known a short time. When traveling, it was not uncommon for him to run into someone he knew. Bill usually had a big smile on his face, and he did his best to put a smile on the faces of those around him. He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke, and he could remember so many of them. Proverbs 18:24 reads, “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” That was Bill.

Bill loved his family and friends and liked spending time together with them. Whether family gatherings on holidays and birthdays, trips, or just spending time in their above ground pool, he looked forward to these special times together. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He had a special place in his heart for those who called him “GrannyPa.” He loved spending time with them all; there were no “step” grandchildren in his heart; they were all special to him. He was always ready to do fun things with them, including numerous trips to Six Flags and company picnics at both Alcon and Lockheed.

Bill stayed active throughout most of his life. He spent a lot of time doing woodworking; making wooden name plates, post office banks, a cradle and a playhouse for his grandchildren. He also took care of the family swimming pool. There wasn’t a day that they had that pool that he wasn’t out working in it to make it as clean as it could be. No bug and no leaf were safe from his ever vigilant skimming net. After giving up softball and bowling, Bill and Gerri took up ballroom dancing, an activity they enjoyed for over 10 years.

He enjoyed traveling, with both family and friends, taking numerous trips throughout Texas, Arkansas and Colorado, and going on 20 Caribbean cruises. He and Gerri took each of their six grandchildren on their own special cruise when they graduated from high school. The last of these special cruises was for their youngest grandchild, Jennifer, who pushed GrannyPa on and off the ship in a wheelchair. His favorite trip was a visit to Italy, which he liked to relive through the many pictures they took while there.

Bill was a very special person who loved and was loved by many. He will be sorely missed. He lived a full and a fulfilling life in his time on this earth, and he is now at home in heaven, resting and rejoicing in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

PRECEDED IN DEATH: He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Don Bing; and his stillborn daughter, Vicky Lynn Bing.

SURVIVED BY: He is survived by his wife, Gerri; son, Gregg Bing and wife, Kimberly; stepsons, Greg Weaver and wife, YoonYi, Bill Weaver and wife, Vickie; grandchildren, Rebekah Bing, James Bing, Suzanne Hall and husband, Jerry, Patty Weaver and partner, James Dickson, Linda Weaver, and Jennifer Weaver; great-grandchildren, Conor Hall and Grant Hall; as well as many other dear family members and friends.

MEMORIALS: Donations may be made to Grace Bible Church, 1450 Oak Hill Road Fort Worth, TX 76112.